Preparing for Future Education and Employment: Lesson 189
Education for the Whole Soul
Prioritizing Education of the Mind and Spirit
Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.
Consider the following scenario:
Yuito is a high school senior. He is eager to start his life after graduation. He works part-time at a local tech store. He enjoys the hands-on experience and the paycheck. Yuito is considering skipping college to work full-time and climb the ranks at his job. However, he’s also aware that further education could open up more opportunities. He’s not sure what is the best option.
What would you do if you were in this situation? What teachings of the Savior could help?
Lesson Purpose: To help you create a plan to continue your postsecondary secular and religious education.
Learn How
Prioritizing education
The Lord encourages us to make both secular and religious education a priority in our lives (see Doctrine and Covenants 88:77–80). Church leaders have emphasized the importance of education for all of God’s children. The education that Church leaders emphasize includes both secular and religious education. Secular and religious education can help you serve God and others. It can also help you be self-reliant.
In your notebook, record the following incomplete statement:
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Pursuing both secular and religious education helps me …
Read the following statement, looking for ways you might complete the previous sentence. Finish the statement in your notebook.
Elder Clark G. Gilbert of the Seventy taught:
Do you know why the Church invests so many resources in education? It’s because of the Lord’s love for you. He wants you to grow closer to Him and find emotional, intellectual, and spiritual strength. Church leaders want the same thing! We pray for you and for your success. We are invested in you and in helping you reach your divine potential. (“Church Education: There Is a Place for Everyone,” For the Strength of Youth, Oct. 2023, 18)
education, divine potential
Why might both secular and religious education be necessary to invite these blessings from the Lord?
Growing and progressing
In the Old Testament, there are many examples of the Lord teaching people both spiritual and secular concepts.
Building the Ark, by Harry Anderson
Read Genesis 6:13–18. Mark important details that stick out to you.
What teachings from the Lord related to temporal things? What teachings were spiritual?
The Lord has revealed some connections between secular and spiritual learning. Read the following passages. You may want to tag them as “education” or “learning.”
Continuing your secular education
Have you thought about what educational possibilities may be open to you in the future? Some options could include the following:
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University
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Online schooling
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Community college
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Trade school
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Apprenticeships
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On-the-job training
Because God values education, the Church of Jesus Christ provides many inspired learning options. They can be found in the Church Educational System (CES). You can learn about them in this figure.
If it is available, watch “The Growth and Momentum of the Church Educational System” (5:25).
Dig Deeper: To learn more about why it is important to obtain a secular education, read “A Prophet’s Counsel and Prayer for Youth.”
Continuing your religious education
Religion classes are part of the course of study at CES schools. If you do not attend a CES school, you can continue your religious education in an institute of religion. They are available to all young adults (18–35 years old) anywhere in the world. There is no cost to take an institute class.
If it is available, watch President Russell M. Nelson’s video “Personal Invitation to Attend Institute” (2:44). Listen for the blessings promised for attending institute.
Dig Deeper: To learn more about institute, check out the institute website. To find an institute wherever you might live after high school, go to “Find an Institute.”
Make a plan
Whether you’re graduating high school this year or not, it’s good to make a plan for your future education.
Use the following questions to help you plan for your future learning. Ask Heavenly Father for guidance from the Holy Ghost. Write your answers in your notebook.
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What future goals do you have?
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What educational choices will help you accomplish those goals?
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What plans can you make for your religious education next year and beyond?
Share Your Thoughts
Lesson Purpose: To help you create a plan to continue your postsecondary secular and religious education.
Share one or more of the following with your teacher or class:
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Your plans for future secular and religious education. Include reasons for your choice.
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Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.
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Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?